Developing a digital mindset

Last Friday (25 October 2024) I had the pleasure of recording a podcast with Dr. Shalini Lal . Here is a link to the recording Developing a Digital Mindset (YouTube) and below are 10 of the main points we discussed. We'd love to hear your reactions and questions.

1. It's not just about the technology. Recognise what is happening because of tech and how this is changing the expectations on leaders .
2. Don't rely on the CTO. You may have a great technical team but leaders across all functions need to know enough to have in informed discussions.
3. Try the technology. Leaders need a hands-on approach to develop their capabilities. Practising with digital tools bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. This takes a bit of bravery but is well worth it.
4. Courage and curiosity are essential. Many leaders didn’t grow up in a digital world. Find others to work with and ask lots of questions.
5. Make space to play and experiment. Creating space for senior leaders to engage in a ‘playful’ approach with technology helps them learn through low-stakes, creative experiments.
6. Integrate digital into your daily tasks. Bring AI to every project, every team and every meeting (e.g., summarising meetings, generating presentations) to see the possibilities.
7. Reflect and learn. Build a learning culture within your organisation with regular time to think about experiences, projects, wins and failures.
8. Shift the culture. This is not just about individual skills; it’s about nurturing a supportive culture within the organisation that encourages innovation, open-mindedness, and a willingness to change established ways of doing things.
9. Don’t outsource strategic thinking to either AI or consultants. While AI and consultants can offer valuable insights, leaders shouldn’t rely on them for strategic thinking. Maintain human ownership of strategy.
10. Face broader social and ethical Issues head-on. Think and talk about impacts such as employment, sustainability, inclusion, and mental health.Using technology must be about more than simple improvements in efficiency.